Onco-shops for Cancer survivors

CEBU, Philippines - In its bid to provide comprehensive cancer management, Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue intends to have specialty shops that will carry items essential for the daily living of cancer survivors.

The comprehensive cancer center which involves diagnostic and therapeutic services, education of patient, genetic counseling and integrative oncology also makes it sure that support care covers the need for prosthetics which can be achieved through the establishment of onco-shops.

In an interview prior to the inaugural dinner and unveiling of scale model of the Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue and Cancer Center last September 29, Dr. Stella Marie Carvajal-Yap (medical ontologist), Dr. Charito Uy (radiologist/oncologist), and Dr. Susie Ponce (internist/hematologist) said that these specialty shops will carry apparel, canes, compression garments, gift items, hair loss and hair alternatives, mastectomy products, and physical therapy items.

Apparel would cover beautiful, functional clothing and head coverings. Canes are used to help improve safety and stability while walking. As for compression garments, trained staff will assist with product selection and proper fit of these garments for upper and lower extremities.

Items include a vibrant array of products that inspire and support healthy lifestyles and meaningful gift giving --- from kitchenware to cooking matters, books and stationery, accessories, and jewelry. These can be delivered per request of the client.

A shop is also set to offer a number of options to people faced with hair loss after chemotherapy or cancer treatment, and that there would be a wide selection of products and services for all post-mastectomy needs, post-surgical garments, breast prosthetics, and bras, as well as active wear and swimwear. The doctors assured that staff is certified in mastectomy fitting to be able to assist survivors properly in achieving their best fit.

Another store will also carry products that encourage movement and good health; those recommended by physical therapy staff, like adjustable weights, exercise balls, pedometers, heart monitors, and exercise apparel.

Specialty shops will be part of a floor dedicated to commercial establishments, a healthy food court, a lounge for visitors, families and friends to interact with patients.

Dr. Yap further mentioned that comprehensive care in the Cancer Center means a multidisciplinary team approach to give the cancer patient the best treatment option. There would be access to cancer-related information, education, psychosocial distress screening and counseling. There would be options for genetic assessment and counseling, and palliative care services, an ongoing monitoring and improvement of care, information about clinical trials and new treatment options, and a completion of treatment and survivorship care plan.

She also said that the facility would also serve as a research center wherein a cancer registry would collect data on cancer type, stage and treatment results, and offer lifelong patient follow-up.

As for Dr. Ponce, she pointed out of the ICU for their patients who are in need of intensive care services related to medical oncology, surgeries and bone marrow transplants. There is also a Special Critical Unit, for cancer patients, which offers increased comfort for the patient's family, allowing members of the family to be close to their loved ones in what is considered a critical point in their lives.

"We will offer 24/7 visitation and each room will be set up to accommodate the overnight stay of one family member," she said.

Counseling and support programs in the center would include art therapy, canine therapy, complementary therapies, look-good feel-good sessions, patient-to-patient support program, smoking cessation programs, writing program, and nutrition.

In terms of breakthroughs and innovations in healthcare, Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue and Cancer Center hopes to be at the forefront of cancer research someday and develop an oncology subspecialty training program.

"But the first in our agenda is to ensure the completeness of the existing Chong Hua Hospital by establishing the Radio-Oncology facility here in this hospital since our present location precludes the establishment of such a facility," Dr. Uy said.

Initially, Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue would be a 100-bed healthcare facility but would look at reaching 300 beds in the future. It will offer basic cancer screening and diagnostic workup so there will be a fully equipped tertiary laboratory and radiology facility. It will primarily focus on cancer care and will carry all basic ancillary and cancer support services to go along with it. (FREEMAN)